How to Start a Career In Data Analytics (With No Experience)

So, you’ve been itching to grow in your career and want to land a high-paying, rewarding role. You did your research and found that data analytics ranks as a top career path in Ireland.

Organisations seek skilled data analysts to identify trends and optimise their business processes. 

But one thing bothers you, you lack industry experience.

Fortunately, most employers would be willing to hire you without prior experience. They will, however, look for a few key skills before finalising you for the role.

Is it possible to become a Data Analyst without experience?

You can become a data analyst if you’re starting from scratch and know the fundamentals of data analytics. Various factors go into why the data analytics market is accessible for newbies. We’ll explore a few below. 

The industry is growing 

Several companies have invested over €1 million on data analytics. The industry keeps growing at 40% per annum globally.

The staggering growth directly reflects the booming data analytics sector. Further, the World Economic Forum mentions 7 emerging professions with AI and data demonstrating the highest growth rate per year. 

As such, the progressive data industry provides a wealth of opportunities for budding data analysts. In fact, the high demand currently outweighs the supply. Therefore, employers do not hesitate to give budding data analysts a chance to contribute to their company - so long as they are skilled.

There’s a dearth of talent 

Because the data market is expanding rapidly, businesses struggle to keep up with massive data volumes. 

Organisations that rely on data successfully outpace their competitors because the helpful insights help them make their business processes more effective and efficient. 

Therefore, it makes sense why data professionals are required across various industries. 

A report published by NTUC (National Trades Union Council) LearningHub highlights that 93% of professionals believe their employers lack productivity due to insufficient data skills. 

Therefore, recruiters won’t hesitate to give skilled and passionate newcomers a shot. Hence, nothing can stop you from entering the field if you’ve mastered the essential data analyst skills.

The role relies on transferable skills (for the most part)

Besides being an in-demand career, the data analyst role requires an array of technical and non-technical skills - most of which you gain in your work environment or during your life. 

Here are some transferable skills you may already have, and you can utilise them on your road to becoming a skilled data analyst. 

• Inquisitive mindset

• An appetite for problem-solving

• Attention to detail

• Communication skills 

• Teamwork

• The ability to conduct research

So, even if you do not have prior data-specific skills, you already have the transferable skills to help you enter into the data analytics industry. All you need to do now is upskill.

How to become a Data Analyst with no experience? 

You now know you can become a data analyst without experience, but "how" remains a mystery. Here are some practical ways to help you gain the necessary skills and present yourself as an able data analyst. 

Hone your technical skills

If you didn’t spot any technical skills when identifying your transferable skills, it’s time to consider gaining some hard skills. Employers seek data analysts with the following skills: 

• Microsoft Excel 

• Python or R programming skills 

• Data visualisation 

• SQL (Structured Query Language) 

• Machine learning

• Data cleaning 

• Statistical and mathematical knowledge

Consider taking a Data Analytics course

Data Analytics courses are by far our most sought-after technical courses. Analytics skills are in global demand, and our range of online courses deliver a unique range of general and sector specific training. Our Data Analytics courses are flexible to suit full-time professionals, most of our courses run for 12 weeks with one lecture per week, either in the morning or the evening. It is the perfect way to kickstart your career as a Data Analyst. 

Build your portfolio 

Recruiters want proof that you can apply your learning to real projects. This doesn’t necessarily require you to gain experience by working in a professional environment; you can build your portfolio to demonstrate your skills. 

• Work on your favourite projects (something that drives your passion) 

• Take a course that includes projects and provides hands-on experience 

• Volunteer for your data analytics skills 

Data Analyst Entry-Level Jobs

Data analyst entry-level roles do not demand extensive experience. After all, no company expects beginners to have years of experience. Instead, they look at your skills for the most part. 

Here are some positions you can consider as a novice data analyst. 

Quality Assurance Analyst 

Quality assurance analysts collect the data to spot whether the product or service meets the standards set by a company. They also test software, technical products, and sites to spot and resolve bugs or other potential problems. 

Here are some day-to-day tasks data assurance analysts are expected to perform. 

• Development and implementation of test plans for product defects 

• Tracking and analysing product performance 

• Helping to main the product quality 

• Working closely with the product team to design and develop new features

Companies willingly provide on-the-job training to passionate candidates. 

Entry Level Data Analyst 

As an entry-level data analyst, a company expects you to gather, interpret, and manage the data. You must have research skills to identify appropriate data sources, retrieve the data, and highlight market trends. 

You’ll also work closely with expert data analysts to create reports and share them with a company’s decision-makers and stakeholders. 

Data Associate 

Data associates monitor data, offer suggestions about gripping data visualisation, and report problems with data analytics tools and software. They also may curate templates and create dashboards using the available tools. 

Although the precise responsibilities vary across organisations, data associates are responsible for gathering, cleaning, and entering the data into a firm’s software. 

Here are some other day-to-day duties of data associates: 

• They coordinate with research people to gather accurate data 

• They validate and execute different reporting methods 

• Train the staff to use technical software 

Research Analyst 

Research analysts validate the data’s accuracy to ensure it can drive helpful insights. They utilise statistical and mathematical models to identify data patterns and unveil profitable business opportunities to upgrade a company’s performance. 

Data Entry 

The data entry role requires you to monitor the accuracy of data in the system. You must ensure the firm’s database is up to date and correct. Some typical responsibilities as a data entry professional include the following: 

• Input the data into the computer system 

• Review previous records to ensure accuracy 

• Update the existing databases with new information 

• Back up the data to save crucial information 

• Prepare files that need to be printed 

• Find out records required by other employers working in an organisation. 

Final words 

That sums up how to start a career in data analytics with no experience. Begin by identifying your transferable skills, taking a course, and honing your technical skills. 

Besides, do not forget to grow your professional network to seize new opportunities and boost the likelihood of landing an ideal data analyst job. 

Finally, UCD Professional Academy offers several data analytics courses to teach you fundamentals and provide sector-specific training. This gives you an opportunity to gain experience, polish your skills, and take career advice from industry experts to succeed as a data analyst.